News
Court Fixes June 30 For Ruling On Sowore’s Bail Application
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday fixed June 30, 2026, for ruling on an application by activist and publisher, Omoyele Sowore, seeking the restoration of his bail and the setting aside of a bench warrant issued against him.
Justice Mohammed Umar adjourned the matter after parties adopted their processes in the application.
The court had, on June 16, revoked Sowore’s bail and issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear in court for his trial on allegations bordering on cybercrime and criminal defamation.
The Department of State Services is prosecuting Sowore over alleged criminal defamation arising from claims that he referred to President Bola Tinubu as a “criminal” in posts made on his official X and Facebook accounts.
Sowore has pleaded not guilty to the charge.
PUNCH Online reports that the court had, on Monday, ordered the remand of the African Action Congress presidential candidate at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his application seeking a stay of execution of the earlier order revoking his bail.
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, Sowore’s counsel, R.O. Adakole, alongside C.S. Etonyeaku, holding the brief of Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), informed the court that the defendant had filed a motion on notice dated June 17 and filed on June 19, 2026.
The application, brought pursuant to Sections 35(4), 36(1), and 6(6)(a) and (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), Sections 169 and 352 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and the inherent jurisdiction of the court, sought 12 reliefs.
Among the reliefs sought were an order setting aside the court’s June 16 order revoking the defendant’s bail, an order vacating the bench warrant issued against him, and an order restoring the status quo and the earlier bail conditions.
The defence said it relied on a 34-paragraph affidavit deposed to by one Emmanuel Larry and a written address filed in support of the application.
Counsel further informed the court that a 36-paragraph affidavit, deposed to by one Sodiq Temitope, was filed on June 24, alongside a reply on points of law dated June 23.
Adopting the processes, the defence urged the court to “grant the application as prayed in the interest of justice. We also urge the court to discountenance the affidavit of the complainant.”
“We shall be relying on the aforementioned processes, urging your Lordship to refuse the application, as the applicant has not placed truthful facts before this honourable court that are capable of swaying the mind of the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the applicant,” Kehinde said.
After hearing the parties, Justice Umar adjourned the matter until June 30, 2026, for ruling.
Following the adjournment, the defence orally applied for Sowore to be released to his legal team pending the ruling, undertaking to produce him in court on June 30.
The prosecution opposed the request, describing it as “a little bit absurd” and arguing that such an application ought to be made formally to enable the prosecution to respond.
In reply, the defence argued that releasing the defendant would not interfere with the court’s ruling and that the application was within the court’s discretion.
Counsel also informed the court that he had received information that Sowore was in poor health and urged the court to grant the request.
The prosecution, however, reminded the court of “the optics of the matter” but left the decision to the court’s discretion.
Justice Umar pointed out that granting the request would defeat the purpose of adjourning the case to prepare his ruling, noting that he was yet to review the processes filed by both parties.
He subsequently denied the application and ordered that the defendant be returned to custody pending the ruling on June 30.
News
FULL LIST: Major Shake Up In Nigeria Police As IGP Deploys Commissioners Of Police
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has approved the deployment of Commissioners of Police to State Commands and strategic formations across the country.
The deployment follows the approval of his recommendations by the Police Service Commission (PSC).
According to a statement on Thursday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the deployment is aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing leadership across Commands and formations, and consolidating the ongoing reform and repositioning of the Nigeria Police Force.

Naija News reports that the Inspector-General of Police charged the affected senior officers to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their new assignments by strengthening intelligence-led policing, enhancing operational effectiveness, promoting professionalism, and deepening community engagement in line with the vision of the Force.
He also urged them to remain steadfast in safeguarding lives and property while upholding the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and service delivery.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strategic personnel deployments as a key component of its ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening internal capacity, and delivering more effective policing services to all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.
News
Shettima Steps Aside from Official Duties After Three Years
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Thursday commenced a two-week leave — his first since assuming office over three years ago.
According to a statement issued by the media aide to the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, during the leave, the vice-president will devote time to study, reflect and do intellectual renewal as part of efforts to strengthen his capacity for continued service to the nation.
The leave offers Shettima an opportunity to review the administration’s ongoing programmes, deepen his understanding of emerging national and global policy issues, and prepare for the responsibilities ahead as the Federal Government intensifies the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, the vice-president, the release stated, has remained actively engaged in the coordination and supervision of several strategic government initiatives, particularly in economic development, food security, humanitarian affairs, digital transformation, job creation and regional cooperation.
He has consistently chaired the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, which brings together the governors of the 36 states, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant public officials to deliberate on policies affecting the economy and the welfare of Nigerians.
Beyond his responsibilities within the country, Shettima has represented President Bola Tinubu at major international and regional engagements, advancing Nigeria’s position on economic integration, peace and security, climate action, investment and sustainable development. ExecutiveBranch
He remains deeply committed to the ideals of loyalty, duty and service that have defined his role in the administration, as well as to supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to build a more secure, productive and prosperous Nigeria.
The vice-president will return to office at the end of the two-week leave period and resume his official responsibilities with renewed energy and dedication to the service of the nation.
News
Friday, August 7, Declared Public Holiday, Government Announces Reason
Rwanda has declared Friday, August 7, 2026, a public holiday to mark Umuganura Day, a national harvest festival with roots stretching back to pre-colonial times.
Legit.ng reports that the announcement came from the Ministry of Public Service and Labour on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, and applies to workers across all sectors, both public and private.
The ministry said in its official statement:
“The Ministry of Public Service and Labour informs all employers and employees in both public and private sectors that Friday, August 7, 2026, will be a public holiday in celebration of Umuganura Day.”
What is Umuganura Day?
Umuganura is one of Rwanda’s most significant cultural observances. The festival gives thanks to God and ancestors for the bounty of the land and marks the collective effort of communities in cultivating it. Despite being called a harvest festival, it is observed before the harvest begins, a tradition rooted in the practice of elders tasting the fruits of the new season before any family member is permitted to do so.
The celebration starts within individual families and then expands into wider community gatherings where traditional foods, crafts, and performances are shared. Rwandan restaurants and cultural centres, both at home and abroad, typically mark the occasion with special offerings tied to the country’s culinary heritage.
Agriculture sits at the heart of why the day carries such weight. About 80% of Rwanda’s labour force is engaged in farming activities, which contribute roughly 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Tea and coffee are the country’s most important cash crops, making up around 80% of its agricultural exports.
History of Umuganura festival
Umuganura has survived considerable upheaval. Germany colonised Rwanda in 1899 as part of German East Africa, and Belgium took control in 1916 during World War I. The prolonged period of colonial rule disrupted the festival, and it went uncelebrated for many years. Rwanda gained independence in July 1962, and the country gradually rebuilt its national identity in the decades that followed.
Despite its ancient origins, Umuganura was only formally recognised as a public holiday in 2011. Beyond its cultural significance, the day also serves as an occasion to reflect on the country’s yearly achievements across the sectors that drive national development.
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